As Adam noticed the woman standing behind George, he blinked in surprise, his voice rising in disbelief. "No way! You married Anastasia?"

His eyes widened as he looked at George, who stood there with a proud smile on his face. George gave a small nod, confirming Adam's question.

Adam stepped forward toward Anushka, who stood cradling a baby in her arms. Peering at the infant, Adam's face softened. "So, you've had a son too?" His voice was filled with warmth and curiosity as he looked at the tiny bundle in Anastasia's arms.

George nodded again, this time with even more pride. "Yes, and just like Eric, I want him to grow up to be like you, Adam." His tone was sincere, and there was a deep respect in his eyes as he spoke.

Hearing this, Adam chuckled, placing a hand on his forehead as if trying to process the weight of their words. "I don't know why you all think I'm so special. I'm really not," he said, shaking his head with a self-deprecating smile.

He had always seen himself as just another villager, someone who had worked hard to protect his family and his home. The idea that others saw him as special was something he hadn't considered.

The crowd, however, responded with quiet laughter and warm expressions. Adam's humility only seemed to make him more beloved.

The villagers had always known him as a kind and hardworking young man, but after today, they saw him as a hero. He had protected them from danger, and they were deeply grateful.

George, scanning the faces in the crowd, suddenly furrowed his brow. He looked around as if searching for someone. Adam noticed and asked, "What is it, George? Who are you looking for?"

George hesitated for a moment, then glanced at Adam. "I just realized… someone's missing. Someone important."

Adam's curiosity was piqued. He looked around, his gaze sweeping over the crowd. Then, as if struck by a sudden thought, his expression changed. Turning to George, he asked, "Where's Sophia?"

The mere mention of her name sent a ripple of energy through the crowd. Heads turned, and murmurs broke out among the villagers.

They all knew. Everyone in the village, including Adam's parents, Sophia's parents, and even Adam himself, was aware of Sophia's feelings for him.

However, they also knew her reserved nature, the way she kept her emotions locked away, too shy to confess them to Adam.

In the midst of the gathering, Sophia stood at the edge, trying to blend into the background. Her hands trembled slightly, and she clenched them into fists to steady herself.

Her heart raced as Adam called her name. She had always admired him from afar, but now, with him standing so close, she felt a mix of excitement and nervousness.

For years, she had prepared herself for this moment, yet her feet felt rooted to the ground. Her mind urged her to step forward, but she couldn't summon the courage.

She had always been shy, and the thought of facing Adam in front of the entire village was overwhelming.

Adam followed the direction of the crowd's gaze and spotted her. His face lit up with recognition, and he smiled warmly. He began walking toward her, weaving through the gathered villagers. The crowd parted slightly, giving him a clear path to Sophia.

"Sophia," he said as he approached, his voice soft but filled with surprise. "You've changed so much. You've grown up completely." His eyes took in her golden hair, which cascaded over her shoulders, and the golden dress she wore, a color that seemed to reflect the sunlight.

Her figure, now more mature and poised, caught his attention, but it was her familiar, kind aura that truly made him smile.

Sophia, overwhelmed by his presence, couldn't meet his gaze. She lowered her head, staring intently at the ground, her cheeks flushed. Her heart pounded in her chest, and she felt a mix of emotions—joy, nervousness, and a deep longing she had kept hidden for so long.

Adam closed the remaining distance between them and gently placed a hand on her shoulder. His touch was steady, comforting. "I thought you might have changed," he said with a soft laugh, "but you're still the same."

Sophia's heart skipped a beat at his words. Around them, the crowd watched in quiet anticipation, their collective emotions ranging from joy to hope.

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They had all seen the bond between Adam and Sophia over the years, and they hoped that this moment would bring them closer.The air was filled with a sense of anticipation, as if everyone was holding their breath, waiting to see what would happen next.

Adam's hand remained on Sophia's shoulder, a gentle and reassuring presence, while Sophia continued to look down, her emotions swirling within her.

Adam’s teasing words struck Sophia deeply. She froze, the words echoing in her mind: “I thought you hadn’t changed.” Her thoughts raced. No, no, Adam. I have changed, she told herself, though she couldn’t muster the courage to say it aloud.

She felt a lump in her throat, her heart pounding as she struggled to find the right words. She had spent so much time trying to prove to herself and everyone else that she was no longer the same timid girl she used to be.

But now, standing in front of Adam, she felt that old insecurity creeping back in.

Seeing her flustered expression, Adam smirked mischievously, his tone playful. “Relax, Sophia, I’m just joking.” Then, leaning in slightly, he added with a grin, “Or are you still the crybaby you used to be?”

Sophia’s cheeks flushed with embarrassment, but before she could respond, Adam grabbed her hand firmly, leading her toward the center of the gathering where everyone was watching them intently.

The villagers had gathered to welcome Adam back, and the air was filled with excitement and curiosity. Sophia’s mind was in turmoil as she trailed behind Adam, her heart thudding against her chest.

She could feel the weight of everyone’s eyes on her, and it only made her more nervous.

Say something, Sophia. Tell him you’re not a crybaby anymore. Say it! Speak up! Her inner voice screamed at her, but the words seemed stuck in her throat.

She clenched her fists, gathering every ounce of courage she could find. Finally, with a deep breath, she looked at Adam’s back and said, “I’m not a crybaby anymore!”

Her voice, though trembling slightly, was clear and determined. Adam stopped in his tracks, turning to face her. His eyes searched hers, and for the first time, he noticed the fire of determination burning within them.

He remained silent for a moment, his expression unreadable. Then, a smile spread across his face. “So, I was wrong after all. You really have changed,” he said softly, his voice filled with sincerity. “In fact, I’d say you’ve grown strong.”

Sophia’s cheeks flushed at his words, but she stood her ground, her gaze unwavering. She felt a surge of pride at his acknowledgment, but at the same time, she couldn’t help but feel a little self-conscious.

"Adam called me strong ..." Her inner voice screamed at her.Adam’s smile deepened as he studied her. He recalled the moment he first saw her after returning to the village.

As he descended from the skies, his eyes had instinctively sought her out amidst the crowd. There was something about Sophia, an energy, a presence that had shifted significantly in his absence.

Even now, standing before her, he could sense the potential she held.

Without another word, Adam continued leading her toward the gathered villagers. As they reached the center, he raised his voice, addressing everyone. “Now we’re complete!”

The villagers cheered lightly, their faces lighting up with joy. The atmosphere was filled with a sense of celebration, but there was also an undercurrent of curiosity.

Everyone was eager to hear more about Adam’s journey and what had brought him back to the village after so long. But before the questions could begin, Adam’s mother, Rachel, spoke up.

“Adam, are you sure we’re all here? What about your elder sister?” she asked, her voice tinged with concern.

Adam turned toward her, his expression calm. “You must mean Yami,” he replied.Rachel nodded, and Eric, Adam’s father, chimed in. “Adam, there’s something you might not know. We’ve already married her off.”

Adam chuckled, shaking his head. “Oh, I know.”

This revelation caught everyone off guard. The villagers exchanged surprised glances, murmuring amongst themselves. Eric stepped forward, clearly taken aback. “What? How do you know?” he asked, his voice filled with disbelief.

Adam folded his arms and explained, “I met her in the forest. She and her husband were traveling to a nearby city when they ran into some trouble. I helped them out. That’s how I found out about her marriage.”

The villagers were stunned. They had no idea that Adam had already crossed paths with Yami. The news spread through the crowd like wildfire, and soon everyone was talking about it.

Meanwhile, Eric seemed especially perturbed. So Yami met Adam before me? That’s not fair, he thought, feeling a pang of annoyance. He had been looking forward to being the one to tell Adam about Yami’s marriage, but now that moment had been taken away from him.

The villagers continued to murmur amongst themselves, their curiosity piqued. They wanted to know more about Adam’s encounter with Yami and what had happened in the forest. But before anyone could ask more questions, Adam raised his hand, signaling for silence.

“There’s a lot to catch up on,” he said, his voice calm but firm. “But for now, let’s focus on the fact that we’re all here together. That’s what matters.”

The villagers nodded in agreement, their excitement returning. They began to chatter amongst themselves, sharing stories and catching up with Adam.

Sophia stood quietly by his side, still processing everything that had just happened. She couldn’t help but feel a sense of relief that Adam had acknowledged her growth, but at the same time, she was curious about his encounter with Yami.

As the celebration continued, Adam’s mind wandered back to the forest. He remembered the moment he had first seen Yami and her husband.

They had been in trouble, and he had stepped in to help without a second thought. It had been a brief encounter, but it had left a lasting impression on him.

He had been surprised to learn about her marriage, but he was happy for her. Yami had always been strong and independent, and he knew she would thrive in her new life.

But now, standing in the village surrounded by his family and friends, Adam couldn’t help but feel a sense of nostalgia.

He glanced at Sophia, who was still standing quietly beside him. He could see the determination in her eyes, and it made him proud. She had grown so much in his absence, and he knew she would continue to grow even more.